Ohhh, the #RobsonLife. Is there ANY better way to live? We began a day of Robson Street shopping with cupcakes, because that’s basically a requirement. Once we’d filled our cupcake quota for the day, we set off to pop into some of our favourite stores. Think Zara, Club Monaco, P L E N + Y, Aritzia, J.Crew, Joe Fresh, ALDO, CB2 etc. I mean the list goes on! We browsed, we tried on, we conquered. I seriously can’t wait to show you what kind of credit card damage we managed to achieve. It’s always extra dangerous when you’re shopping with girlfriends, isn’t it? Especially when it’s with fellow bloggers To Vogue Or Bust,Her Waise Choice, and Miss Melissa – always such a bad influence 😉
We capped things off at Abode and caught up some more over tea and lattes. It was such a great day that went on even longer than we’d expected (I’m just glad I brought flats with me! The struggle is real, you guys). Robson Street has always been one of my favourite shopping destinations and I’m so glad we were able to make an afternoon of documenting that. AND the fun doesn’t even stop here. Stay tuned to see the #RobsonLife purchases we made and for the chance to win some goodies for yourself as well!
The first time I ever stepped into a West Elm was in Portland in 2009, and absolutely fell in love! The store was exactly our decor style and had a price point that was totally reasonable. I remember thinking that I wished we had something like it back here in Vancouver. Now look at us, teaming up at their first Vancouver location on Granville Street for an amazing evening!
It was so fun to host an event and I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to every single person who stopped by! It meant the world to me 🙂 If you missed out, not to worry. I’ve got a post coming up that outlines the spring decor tips and tricks we shared at our Step Into Spring event. Stay tuned!
Brace yourself, for I have a pretty shocking personal fact to share with you all right now. I am, quite possibly, the world’s worst athlete. It was eighth grade that I learned this about myself. Are you kind of impressed that I was so wildly self aware and at such a young age? In 1999, I was in every extra curricular activity at school. I wrote for the newspaper, on the yearbook committee, played volleyball, did gymnastics, got a sweet role in our school musical (Boots in our rendition of Newsies. Also, Christian Bale in the nineties, so dreamy), and even somehow became part of some “advanced” science team. Which, looking back is all very confusing because in no way did I excel at science. Anyway, since being on the C team in volleyball (they couldn’t cut anyone in middle school, so they conveniently created an extra team of really bad volleyball players who often weren’t able to attend tournaments) and never doing well in gymnastics thanks to my extreme fear of jumping over the vault and lack of arm strength to actually hold myself up on the bars weren’t enough of an indication that I was no athlete, I decided to join the basketball team that spring. I attended one practice, where we learned how to pivot, and then my family embarked on a delightful two week long Florida vacation. Upon my return, the rest of the team had been practicing for weeks, and I arrived just in time for our first game. I remember sitting on the bench, looking around and thinking, “Oh my God, I don’t know how to play basketball?” Not really sure how I survived the entire game. I think I blacked out, like Will Ferrell in Old School, and just got through it, like you sometimes have to do in life. Quit the team the next morning.
This was all just a long-winded way to tell you that I was always far more successful within the creative arts. I was a dancer, pianist (you guys, I AM half Chinese), and as I mentioned above, a writer. I loved the ballet, and music, and that is how we’re going to segue into how I wore this outfit to Ballet BC’s presentation of Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. A ballet choreographed and performed entirely to music by Sarah McLachlan. The show was just as magical as it sounds. I still think of their piece to Sarah’s live performance of, Ice Cream, and get goosebumps. I brought my mom and we had so much fun dressing up and making our way to the Queen E Theatre. People watching at the ballet is among some of the best, plus we were just a few seats away from Sarah McLachlan herself! If you’re looking for a fun night out, I highly recommend a Ballet BC show. Their next one is The Nutcracker, and you can buy tickets here. For now, I must go jeté and pirouette around our living room.
*When I say that ‘ballerinas can’t play basketball’ I really just mean me. Especially because the dancers
we saw in Fumbling Towards Ecstasy are most definitely amazing athletes!
Alongside Jen of Her Waise Choice and Alex of To Vogue Or Bust, I signed up for a good old fashioned Old Navy Style-Off. The challenge was simple. We’d arrive at the brand new Old Navy store on Robson Street at Granville and take a few minutes to get acquainted with the store. Then, we’d each draw a piece of paper to reveal which winter inspired look we’d have to style. The clock was then set to give us one hour to put together a head-to-toe Old Navy look (shoes, accessories and all) that was under $200 before taxes.
Easy, right? I mean come on, how many times have I ripped through a store in a mad shopping hunt. Plus, I had already caught a quick glimpse at the new store a few days before and knew that it was full of really cute stuff. So, I drew ‘Skate Date’ which left things pretty open to interpretation and I let my styling instincts take over. Based on this gorgeous coat that I’d seen my blogger friend Melanie wear just days before, I thought I’d build a look around that. I’m all about layering and polka dots at the moment, so layering polka dots is a serious win-win. I’d also been on the lookout for a great pair of black coated skinny jeans and these ones were comfortable, flattering, and of course, a great price! Finished things off with a pair of tan booties and striped gloves, et voila! Just to be safe, I styled up a second look as well and we all took to the fitting rooms to try on our first attempts.
I tell ya, things ended up not being as simple as we’d initially thought. My second choice look just wasn’t quite right or as figure flattering as I’d hoped. Sometimes when you layer as they show on a mannequin it doesn’t translate on your body. I also wanted to make sure that my look wasn’t too close to the other girl’s picks. So, I really wanted to this first outfit to work. After adding up all the pieces though, it was over budget and with only 25 minutes left, I was worried I’d have to start from scratch. I was absolutely saved though, when we checked the prices in their system and found out a few of the items were on sale. This entire outfit came up to just $189.20!
If you’re in the area, you’ll have to check out the new store! Especially because you can find our Vancouver Style Off looks on display. And to let you in on the style-off fun, you can vote for your favourite look on Instagram @aliciafashionista, @tovogueorbust, and @herwaisechoice. You should probably just double tap all our instas though, because there just might be a prize involved.
Okay, okay, it might not be the best giveaway EVER, but it’s pretty darn amazing! Best Day Ever and I have partnered together to give one lucky bride-to-be an entire Day-Of Wedding Coordination Package!* Normally about a $1000 value, this includes way more than just 24 hours of work. In fact, the BDE team prefer to call it the Month-Of Coordination Package, since they take care of email confirmations and last minute coordination as the big day approaches. Plus, they party rock on the day to make sure that your vision comes to life and that your best day ever runs as smoothly as possible. This is a MUST ladies.**
2) Comment below (or take to Twitter or Facebook) and let me know you did so.
BONUS ENTRY if you tweet:
I want @bestdayevervan to make my wedding the #BestDayEver via @604fashionista – http://bit.ly/17vWWk8
*If the winner’s wedding date conflicts with an existing client’s wedding date, the Day-Of Coordination Package can instead be substituted for a wedding related party day-of coordination (i.e. a bridal shower or engagement party). Not redeemable for cash and prize must be redeemed by December 2015.
**Contest open to weddings taking place in the Lower Mainland, BC (where Best Day Ever is located). If the wedding is a destination outside of the Lower Mainland, then extra costs will have to be covered by the winner. Best Day Ever contest closes Thursday, November 7th, 2013 at 9:00 pm PST. Maximum of two entries per person. Winner will be chosen at random and contacted shortly after. Good luck!
P.S. If you’d like to book the Best Day Ever ladies, or just want to hear more about what they do, feel free to contact them: holla@bestdayevervan.com
So, I already had this gorgeous white RACHEL Rachel Roy dress from The Bay, all I needed was tickets to the ultra exclusive Dîner en Blanc Vancouver. No problem, right? Wrong! I was just plain outta luck until our friends Jen and Remo stepped up and SAVED us by bringing Adam and I as their dates. As the day approached, planning was crazy. Tables had to be a certain measurement, I was stressing about place settings (and one unfortunate trip to Bowrings turned into me buying completely unnecessary but pretty dishware that Adam cursed me for when he had to carry it), and we had food to prepare. You know how the pre-event stress is! Anyway, the day rolls around and we all make our way to the meeting spot at David Lam Park and then load our things onto a bus. Well, just a few minutes later we arrived at the waterfront to a Diner en Blanc at Science World. We all set up shop and made fast friends with those around us. Between the four of us, we had an absolute feast. Somehow “will it be enough food?” always turns into a week of leftovers. Though nothing beat the table down from us that had lobster and melted butter that they kept warm in a thermos!
There were traditions like the waving of your white cloth napkins to commence the dinner portion of the evening. As well as the sparklers after everyone is done eating. Since we were on the water, we all got a gorgeous sunset to add to an already visually stunning event. And, just like anything you over prepare for, the whole evening went by in a flash. I’m so happy that we were able to go, thank you again to the Pistors for bringing us! Already can’t wait for the next DEB, especially since we now know what to expect and will be far more relaxed!
I’m into any sort of excuse to get dressed up, especially when it’s for a fun day at the races! I’ve always wanted to attend The Deighton Cup and was so happy to be in town for the big event this year. Dug up my favourite fascinator, and old bridesmaids dress, borrowed some gloves, and made my way to Hastings Racecourse. Hung out all day with the beautiful Jen, Alison, Leonie, Bria, Randa, Jill, and Michelle. A big thanks to Lyndi for the invite, already planning my outfit for next year!
I take a lot of pride in my city exploring. Like a modern day Christopher Columbus, I
love navigating my way around Vancouver (and other awesome cities around the
world) to find the best eats, parks, coffee, neighbourhoods, streets, etc. And what’s the fun in finding treasure if you
can’t share? That’s where the Marc
Jacobs Honey Spot campaign comes in.
I’ve been carefully documenting some of my go-to local spots using the
hashtags #MJHoneySpots and #myhoneyspot on Instagram and Twitter!
My obsession with Matchstick Coffee Roasters is no secret. We’re talking delicious coffee (go Kanzu roast or go home), drool-worthy croissants, staff who take a moment to actually smile, and a fresh, yet cozy ambiance. An East Vancouver treasure, wouldn’t you agree?
Speaking of East Van, I have to give a shoutout to my neighbourhood. I’m so happy to call Mount Pleasant home!
Going for a run isn’t such a chore when this is the view you’re headed towards. Sunset jogs around False Creek are a just so necessary.
Barbarella Pizzeria has been our go-to pizza place lately. In fact, we may or may not be headed there again tonight. After a quick Instagram poll though, it turns out there are a few other Vancouver pizzerias we have to try. And so, the search for the city’s best pizza continues!
Concerts are a big part of my life. I attend as many shows as my credit card will
allow me. This is especially easy since
Vancouver has some gorgeous venues like The Orpheum or The Commodore
Ballroom. It also helps when it’s
amazing act after amazing act that comes through town. Just a few weeks ago we saw The Alabama
Shakes at The Orpheum and my goodness did they put on a great performance. Can’t wait for their new album!
What are some of your honey spots?
HONEY Marc Jacobs is the bright, spirited
and spontaneous new addition to the Marc Jacobs fragrance family. HONEY is a
sunny delicious floral – happy and energetic, with notes of fresh green pear,
orange blossom and warm honey. Playful and polished, the bottle is elegantly
crafted with beautiful finishing touches that reveal the cheerful, bright and
sophisticated fragrance. HONEY Marc Jacobs is available at retailers across
Canada including Sephora, Hudson’s Bay, Holt Renfrew, Shoppers Drug Mart,
Murale and Jean Coutu. For more information, visit: http://www.marcjacobsfragrances.com/honey
“Disclosure: This
post was brought to you by Coty Prestige via Glam Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of
the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Coty
Prestige.”
It was so lovely having a long weekend in February and thanks to our friends, we got to spend it on Bowen Island. Just a 20 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the city. It’s a great little community, I definitely recommend it for a weekend vacation!
